Armour Thyroid

Armour Thyroid is a prescription natural thyroid hormone replacement medication made from dried pig thyroid glands (porcine). It is classified as a desiccated thyroid extract (DTE) and contains two thyroid hormones:

• Thyroxine (T4): a prohormone converted into an active hormone in the body.
• Triiodothyronine (T3): the biologically active thyroid hormone.

Each strength of Armour Thyroid delivers a specific amount of T4 and T3. Although this medication remains available and widely used in the U.S. under legacy approvals, the FDA has not formally approved desiccated thyroid extract products under modern clinical trial standards. This medication comes in different tablet strengths, but the page mainly focuses on 30 mg, 60 mg, and 120 mg. Consult your doctor to know which tablet strength is right for you.

Armour Thyroid is a natural thyroid hormone replacement therapy used to:

• Replace missing thyroid hormones in hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid).
• Suppress thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in conditions like goiter, thyroid nodules, or thyroid cancer (under physician guidance).

Yes, they are the same. Desiccated thyroid is thyroid gland tissue that is dried and powdered for medical purposes. Armour Thyroid is a brand name for desiccated thyroid extract (DTE). Other brands, such as NP Thyroid or Nature-Throid, are also desiccated thyroid products but may differ in formulation or availability. Before you buy Armour Thyroid online for hypothyroidism, consult a medical professional for safe use.

Armour Thyroid is a natural thyroid replacement therapy that combines two thyroid hormones, T3 and T4. These thyroid hormones are important for regulating metabolism, heart rate, body temperature, and many other functions. When you take Armour Thyroid for hypothyroidism, the hormones are absorbed into the bloodstream after oral administration.

T4 acts mainly as a reserve hormone and is gradually converted by your tissues into T3, the active form. T3 works directly at the cellular level, helping control how fast your body functions. As thyroid hormone levels return to a normal range, Armour Thyroid also helps lower thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) produced by the pituitary gland. Note that natural thyroid extracts have variable hormone ratios, which may affect consistency.

• The best time to take Armour Thyroid is before breakfast, usually on an empty stomach, unless your doctor has instructed otherwise.
• Take the medication once daily, following the prescribed Armour Thyroid dosage chart.
• Do not adjust the dose or stop suddenly without consulting a medical expert.
• Take the medication at the same time each day to get the best results.
• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember.
• Do not take extra doses to make up for a missed dose.

The dose of Armour Thyroid depends on the condition being treated. Here is the average Armour Thyroid dosage chart. For correct dosage recommendations, talk to your prescriber. They will adjust the dose gradually based on your tolerance and thyroid levels.

• Hypothyroidism: Doctors often start at a low dose (e.g., 15–30 mg daily) and adjust gradually based on thyroid tests and symptoms every 4–8 weeks. The typical maintenance dose may exceed 120 mg based on thyroid levels and clinical judgment.
• Lowering TSH: Your doctor will prescribe the dose based on your body weight. The regimen may vary; consult your doctor before starting treatment.

Because Armour Thyroid has a narrow therapeutic range, regular monitoring is essential to ensure safe and effective treatment. Healthcare providers commonly monitor:

• TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone)
• Free T4
• Free T3 (in some patients)

When to Contact Your Provider?

Tell your healthcare provider if you experience:

• New or worsening heart symptoms
• Persistent fatigue or nervousness
• Unexpected weight changes
• Heat intolerance or excessive sweating

This list does not include all possible Armour Thyroid side effects. If you notice other adverse effects that are not mentioned below or in the FDA prescribing data, contact your provider immediately.

Common Armour Thyroid Side Effects

These effects are typically related to excess thyroid hormone and may resolve on their own as your body adjusts to the medication.

• Rapid heart rate or palpitations
• Anxiety or nervousness
• Tremors or sweating
• Heat intolerance
• Weight loss
• Insomnia
• Increased appetite
• Irritability
• Headache

Moderate Armour Thyroid Side Effects

These may indicate that the dose is too high.

• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Shortness of breath with activity
• Chest discomfort
• Fatigue despite treatment
• Muscle weakness

Serious Armour Thyroid Side Effects

These effects are less common but may lead to serious complications if not properly addressed.

• Worsening of existing heart disease
• Bone loss (osteoporosis) with prolonged overtreatment
• Anxiety, irritability, or insomnia

Armour Thyroid carries an FDA boxed warning stating that thyroid hormones must not be used for weight-loss or obesity treatment. The FDA warning applies to all thyroid hormone products, including Armour Thyroid, whether natural or synthetic.

In people with normal thyroid function, thyroid hormones do not cause safe or effective weight loss. Using high doses can cause serious heart rhythm problems, heart failure, bone loss, anxiety, agitation, or confusion.

Use for weight loss is not medically supported and can be dangerous, so never use Armour Thyroid for weight loss. Use it only for medically diagnosed thyroid conditions and take it exactly as prescribed under medical supervision.

Armour Thyroid has variable hormone ratios. Too much or too little hormone can cause serious health effects.

• Heart Risk: Excessive thyroid hormone may worsen or trigger angina, arrhythmias, or heart failure, especially in people with cardiovascular disease.
• Bone Loss: Long-term use of Armour Thyroid for hypothyroidism may increase the risk of bone loss (osteoporosis) and fracture, especially in postmenopausal women.
• Adrenal Insufficiency: If adrenal insufficiency is untreated, Armour Thyroid may worsen symptoms.
• Diabetes: Thyroid hormones may alter insulin or oral hypoglycemic requirements. Use cautiously if you have diabetes.
• Oral Anticoagulants: Thyroid hormones can affect clotting and may require dose adjustment of anticoagulants. Talk to your provider before starting treatment with this medication.
• Thyroid Cancer: Armour Thyroid may be used for TSH suppression in thyroid cancer, but overtreatment increases cardiac and bone risks.
• Pediatrics: Excess dosing may cause premature closure of the cranial (head) bones in infants. Always use it under medical supervision.
• Pregnancy: Thyroid hormone therapy is generally safe during pregnancy. Women with hypothyroidism should continue natural thyroid replacement therapy like Armour Thyroid during pregnancy after consulting a medical provider to protect both mother and baby.
• Breastfeeding: Only small amounts of thyroid hormone pass into breast milk. Thyroid medicines are not linked to serious side effects or cancer risk in nursing infants. However, breastfeeding women should still use this medication with medical supervision.
• Hair Loss: Some patients may experience partial hair loss during the first few months of using Armour Thyroid for hypothyroidism.

Armour Thyroid Contraindications

Do not use this medication in patients with:

• Untreated adrenal insufficiency
• Untreated thyrotoxicosis (excessive thyroid hormone levels)
• Hypersensitivity to Armour Thyroid or its ingredients.

Levothyroxine is the standard first-line thyroid replacement therapy due to its stable dose and effects. At the same time, Armour Thyroid is sometimes considered for patients who continue to have symptoms on Levothyroxine. Below is a brief comparison table of Armour Thyroid vs. Levothyroxine.

If you have taken too many tablets of Armour Thyroid, you may experience thyrotoxicosis. This condition occurs due to excessive thyroid hormone, leading to symptoms of an overactive thyroid. If you suspect an overdose, contact the Poison Control Center or your healthcare provider immediately. Armour Thyroid overdose symptoms may include:

• Rapid heart rate
• Palpitations
• Chest pain
• Tremors
• Nervousness
• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Insomnia
• Excessive sweating
• Heat intolerance
• Weight loss
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal cramps

Armour Thyroid can interact with several medications. Some interactions may require dose adjustments, timing changes, or close monitoring by your healthcare provider. This list does not contain all possible Armour Thyroid drug interactions. Therefore, always tell your doctor about the medications you are taking during your natural thyroid replacement therapy.

Drugs That Require Caution or Close Monitoring

• Warfarin
• Insulin
• Metformin
• Sulfonylureas
• Digoxin
• Beta-blockers
• Birth control pills
• Hormone replacement therapy

Medications That May Reduce Armour Thyroid Absorption

• Calcium supplements
• Iron supplements
• Antacids containing aluminum or magnesium
• Cholestyramine or colestipol
• Sucralfate

Medications That May Affect Thyroid Hormone Levels

• Phenytoin
• Rifampin

If Armour Thyroid is not suitable for you, several other thyroid hormone replacement options are available. Your doctor will help choose the safest and most effective alternative based on your thyroid levels, symptoms, and health conditions.

Synthetic Hormones

• Levothyroxine (Synthetic T4)
• Liothyronine (Synthetic T3)
• Liotrix (Synthetic T4/T3 combination)

Other Desiccated Thyroid Extracts (DTEs)

• NP Thyroid
• Nature-Throid
• Westhroid
• WP Thyroid
• Adthyza

Many patients choose to order Armour Thyroid from Canada because it is often more affordable than U.S. retail prices. At Polar Bear Meds, we source our medications from a network of licensed Canadian and international pharmacies that follow strict dispensing regulations. When you buy Armour Thyroid online from our pharmacy, you can save 80–90%, often more affordable than U.S. retail rates.

Ordering Armour Thyroid from Canada requires a valid prescription from a licensed medical provider. You can also enjoy several savings programs, including:

• Armour Thyroid coupon to get 10% off your first order.
• Competitive pricing
• Referral programs